There are key pointers to consider when choosing between composite and wood decking. The deck’s cost, life span, and quality depend on the material. Besides the decking material, installation costs, durability, and maintenance are worth considering.
Composite Decking at a Glance
Composite is a decking material made of wood fibers and plastic. Composite is suitable for outdoor decks due to its durability, low maintenance, and natural wood look. Some popular composite deck manufacturers include DuraLife, Fiberon, Trex Decking, and Envision.
What Materials Create Composite Decks?
- Wood and Plastic: Wood plastic composite (WPC) is a blend of natural fibers and plastic powder. WPC deck boards provide environmental benefits through waste-derived natural fibers and recycled plastics. They’re easy to color and install but aren’t weather-resistant due to the fiber content.
- Minerals and Plastics: Mineral-based composite (MBC) combines plastics and minerals. The resulting boards are stable, durable, and resistant to moisture and pests. But, MBC decks are inorganic, making them unsuitable for the environment.
- Cellular PVC: Cellular PVC or fake wood uses polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as its primary component. Manufacturers often add grain patterns for wood-like properties and paintability. It offers insect, water, and rot resistance and superior environmental benefits to plastics.
Pros and Cons of a Composite Deck
Pros:
- Doesn’t warp or splinter
- Low maintenance
- Resistant to rotting and termite infestation
Cons:
- Prone to fading
- More expensive than natural wood
Wood Decking at a Glance
Wood decking is a traditional and popular choice for outdoor decks. The boards and planks in wood decks consist of natural wood. Wood provides natural, rustic aesthetics, complementing various architectural styles and landscaping designs.
Which Types of Wood are Ideal for Decking?
Choosing the right type of wood impacts the deck’s lifespan. There are several types of wood species used for decking. Each wood type has its unique characteristics.
Here are some popular types of wood for decks:
- Cedar: Cedar is a softwood resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. It has a warm, reddish-brown color and a straight-grain pattern. Cedar is also lightweight and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for DIY projects.
- Redwood: Redwood is a durable softwood that contains natural oils and tannins. The elements resist rot, decay, and insect damage without chemical treatment. Redwood is also lightweight and easy to work with but is more expensive than other wood types.
- Pressure-treated pine: Pressure-treated pine is a more affordable option for decking. The softwood undergoes chemical treatment to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. It’s easy to stain or paint pressure-treated pine.
- Ipe: Ipe is a durable hardwood that’s resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. It has a dark brown color and a tight, straight-grain pattern. Ipe is heavy, making it more challenging to work with and pricier than other wood species.
- Mahogany: Mahogany is a popular hardwood due to its appeal and durability. It has a reddish-brown color and a straight-grain pattern. Mahogany is also resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. But it’s more expensive than other wood types.
Pros and Cons of Wood Decks
Pros:
- Best for DIY projects
- Less expensive than composite decks
- Offers a classic and natural look
Cons:
- High maintenance costs
- Prone to rotting, decaying, and insect damage
Composite vs. Wood Decking: Comparison
Maintenance
Wood decking is susceptible to rot and decay in high humidity or moisture. You should maintain a regular inspection schedule to identify and repair damaged parts. The inspection routine should involve cleaning, sanding, staining, and sealing.
Regular cleaning helps to remove dirt, debris, and stains. Use soap and water or specialized cleaners to maintain wooden decks.
Wood decking needs periodic staining and sealing to prevent element and insect damage. The frequency of staining and sealing depends on the wood type and exposure to elements. Regular sanding is crucial for aging and weathering decks to prevent splinters.
Composite decking is not susceptible to rot or decay like wood decking. Hence, it does not need regular inspections for damage. Composite decks need cleaning and protective coating to prevent fading or staining.
Durability
Composite decking offers superior durability due to insect and moisture resistance. Composite does not absorb moisture, preventing warping, splitting, rot, and decay.
The durability of wood decking varies depending on the wood species. Some species, such as cedar and redwood, are more durable than others. It’s also easy to repair a damaged part of a wood deck to extend its lifespan.
Cost
Consider the cost difference between composite and wood decking before making a choice. Composite has higher upfront costs than wood decking.
The price of composite ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot, depending on the quality and brand. Wood prices range from $2 to $8 per square foot, depending on the type.
Homeowners save money on maintenance costs with composite decking due to minimal requirements. Wood decking requires regular maintenance, such as staining and sealing. The maintenance costs are crucial in preventing element damage and extending its lifespan.
Natural Appearance
Composite decks have an artificial appearance which some homeowners find unappealing. Wood decking has a natural look and feel that appeals to homeowners. Different wood species have unique grain patterns and colors, which add character to the deck.
Composite decking is available in a limited range of colors, mostly gray and brown shades. Some composite decking brands offer more color options but are more expensive.
Wood decking is available in a wide range of colors, depending on the type of wood used. Cedar and redwood, for example, have natural reddish-brown hues, which most homeowners find appealing.
Weather Resistance
Composite is more durable and low-maintenance in terms of weather resistance. Wood decking is more susceptible to moisture than composite decking. Proper maintenance is crucial for homeowners to prevent deck warping, splitting, and decay.
Also, wood decking fades over time due to exposure to sunlight and weather conditions. Make sure to stain or paint it often to prevent fading. Check your wood decking for mold and mildew growth if you live in damp or humid environments.
Environmental Impact
Composite decking has a lower environmental impact and is more durable. The primary composite components are recycled plastic and wood fibers.
Composite materials reduce waste and conserve natural resources due to their long-lasting nature. Composite, however, has an energy-intensive production and is non-biodegradable. Composite decks end up in landfills once their lifespan depletes.
Wood has a lower energy input, meaning there will be low carbon emissions. It’s also a biodegradable and renewable source.
FAQs
Which decking material offers a cooler surface temperature?
Composite decking provides cooler surfaces due to its heat and light reflectors. Some manufacturers also use cooling technology to reduce heat absorption. Wood decking absorbs and retains heat, increasing surface temperature.
Which decking material is easy to install?
Wood is a popular decking material that contractors and DIYers find easier to work with. Composite decking requires specialized tools to ensure proper installation and spacing. It’s worth noting that the ease of installation depends on design complexity and expertise.
Which is better at resisting insect damage, composite or wood?
Composite is better at resisting insect damage than wood. Composite materials like plastic and wood fibers are unattractive to insects. Wood decking is vulnerable to termites, carpenter ants and needs regular treatment.
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